A Somerset-based campaigner has urged more cafés to sign up to a scheme that could benefit homeless people and anyone who is 'in need', as well as the businesses themselves.

Suspended Coffee is a scheme that offers customers the opportunity to buy an extra coffee or meal, when they are buying their own, which can then be claimed by someone else who needs it.

Michael Vickery from Yeovil has urged establishments to get behind the scheme and 'help restore faith in humanity'.

There's been a call for cafés to sign up to the Suspended Coffee scheme (Image: Getty Images Europe)

He said: "If they can put up a poster or have some flyers on the idea, hopefully that will encourage customers to put something in for those in need.

"It might also bring in new customers, a friend of mine told me she would switch from her current choice to an establishment she knew to be participating in Suspended Coffee."

What are Suspended Coffees?

How do I buy a suspended coffee?

Basically, if you buy a coffee from a café that is supporting the scheme, you can then buy another that is 'suspended'. This means that the second coffee is then available to be redeemed by someone in need, at a later date.

Who am I really helping?

You are helping someone in your community, as well as supporting a local business. It is a win-win situation and also helps restore a little faith in humanity.

Can I buy something other than coffee?

Yes! It can be used for more than just coffee. The scheme may be called 'Suspended Coffee' but you could also buy a bowl of soup, a filling sandwich, a cold drink, fruit, bread, or a full meal.

Who is eligible to receive the free coffee/food?

A suspended coffee can be for anyone. It can be for the homeless man you pass every day on the street, a stressed student in the middle of exams, or a mum who needs a five minute break.

It is not up to us to judge who is in need. If someone asks, then they are in need. Yes, it’s just a cup of coffee, but it’s about more than the coffee!

Michael believes this could be a positive step in tackling homelessness in Somerset: "I’m pretty sure more could be done. I’m looking to get in touch about the idea with organisations working with the homeless in Yeovil.

"Speaking to one homeless guy the other day in town, I asked him if he knew of any local organisations and seems there is very little help.

"It’s a shame there is a lack of help available when the problem has increased in recent years."

He continued: "I’m sure it will. I have been involved in a few campaigns and community groups, some past and some presently active, and I have noticed the key thing is to just give people information and let them make up their own minds.

"That’s all we can do in, we can’t ram stuff down people’s throats and force someone to change their mind against their will; they won’t be genuinely supportive; it can be a slow process, but eventually there are results."

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Michael has started the process of asking cafés to be involved and would be happy for more people to help spread the word.

"I am still in the early stages of getting this going, only having spoken to a few independents so far, hearing how some have given hot drinks to nearby homeless during the cold weather.

"It would be nice to see the big chains support it too, but past experience suggests they often have company policy linked to big charities, though I’m sure most staff would probably support it given choice."

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